Diversification pushes up farm borrowing
Experts from the rural team at Bruton Knowles have been helping an influx of farmers apply for loans which are intended to cover a range of uses from land purchase, loan restructuring and farm investment. With interest rates remaining favourable, many are now looking to secure new finance before an expected rise, keeping Ben Compton […]
NFU welcomes progress but calls for transparent timeline on CAP payments
The Rural Payments Agency appears to be making good progress in processing claims but must be more transparent with its timeline for delivering BPS and agri-environment schemes as thousands of English farmers plan their cash-flow arrangements for the coming months. Earlier this year the RPA said that farm payments would begin in December with the […]
FUW anger over RPW office closure
The Farmers’ Union of Wales Meirionnydd branch has expressed its anger and disappointment at the proposed closure of the Rural Payments Office (RPW) in Dolgellau as part of an internal strategic review of its premises by Welsh Government. “This facility is of tremendous importance to Meirionnydd farmers, which is used on a regular basis,” said […]
Managing disallowance risk and DEFRA, RPA accounts
Since 2005, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has incurred a total of £642 million in financial penalties relating to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in England, according to a report Managing disallowance risk published today by the National Audit Office. These penalties are imposed by the European Commission when it believes member […]
How will the 2015 budget affect you as a farmer
David Missen, Head of the Agriculture Sector at MHA, the UK-wide association of accountancy and business advisory firms, says that farmers need to do some serious planning in response to new Annual Investment Allowances and tax arrangements on dividends unveiled in yesterday’s Budget announcement. Here’s his review of the main changes affecting the agriculture sector. Business […]
FUW opts for 54 hectare top-up payment option
The Farmers’ Union of Wales has backed the gradual introduction of ‘top-up’ payments on the first 54 hectares in its response to the Welsh Government’s consultation on Wales’ Basic Payment Scheme. The option, referred to in the EU regulations as ‘redistributive payments’, would mean moving from the current historically based model towards estimated payments of […]
£1.3 million in new research could mean a sweeter deal for Scottish berry producers
British berry lovers could get their favourite fruits all year round thanks to three new pioneering UK government funded research projects set to revolutionise Scottish berry production, Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said ahead of the Royal Highland Show. £1.3 million from the government’s £70 million Agri-Tech Catalyst has been awarded to projects led by the […]
Environment Secretary hails UK success in securing steps to make CAP simpler for farmers
Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss has welcomed a series of changes announced by the European Commission to make it easier for UK farmers to meet Common Agricultural Policy rules, but warned there is still more to do reduce the burdens of the current scheme. From next year farmers will now have more choice of hedgerows on […]
Loan from Finance Wales helps Bridgend tractor and agricultural machinery specialist to continue expanding
A £160,000 loan from Finance Wales has helped the new owner of JG Plant, the Bridgend-based New Holland tractor and agricultural machinery specialist to expand the business. Gareth Rees bought the family business in 2013 when its former owner retired, safeguarding 15 jobs and has since strengthened the company’s position in its existing markets and […]
